
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 


Cliap. .^MrTlopyriglit No.._. 

y'zz 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 





TOM HUSTON’S 
TRANSFORMATION 


BY / 

MARGARET B. LOVE 

• I 

(SECOND EDITION) 

THE 

Hbbey press 

PUBLISHERS 

114 

FIFTH AVENUE 

Condon NEW YORK montreal 


1 



9475y 


iLitorary 


of 


liwo Copies RerE'.''EO 

DEC 34= 1900 

StCON!^ COPY 

Odivwwl 

ORDER OlViSlON 

lOjM 

Copyright, 1900, 

by 

THE” 

Bbbcy press 

in 
the 

United States 
and 

Great Britain. 


.UP 




All Rights Reserved. 






MARGARET B. LOVE. 


BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. 

Mrs. Margaret B. Love, the author of this hook, 
was horn near Savannah, Ohio. 

She received the rudiments of her education in 
country schools, and took the academic course in 
the Savannah Academy. 

For a few years Mrs. Love taught in the schools 
of Ashland County. She loved her work and was 
a very enthusiastic teacher, able at all times to in- 
spire her pupils with a taste for learning. 

Finding that a higher education was needed to 
successfully carry on the work of the school-room 
she entered Westminster College and was gradu- 
ated from that institution in the class of '86. 

In the summer of '88 she was married to Rev. 
R. J. Love, Ph.D., and went with her husband 
into the Home Mission field. 

Dr. Love was located at Lebanon, Missouri. 
Into this work Mrs. Love carried the same zest 
and determination she had used with such power 
in her school-room. 

In the spring of '90 she and her husband were 
elected to positions at Knoxville College, Tenn. 

After holding her position for three years Mrs. 
Love resigned and during the last seven years she 
has given part of her time to literary work. 

She is the college correspondent for the Chris- 
tian Union Herald, published by the United Pres- 
byterian Board of Publication at Pittsburgh, Pa. 
She has written a number of stories. 

She loves young people and sympathizes with 
them as she did when a girl. 


THE PUBLISHERS. 



Tom 
Huston’s 
T ransformation. 



tom I)u$tor$ transformation. 

*‘Tom Huston! Where did you 
come from ? My, but I am glad 
to see you, old fellow.” 

The person thus addressed was a 
tall, handsome man who had come 
to make a business call on Mr. Ed- 
ward Hamilton, one of the leading 
dry goods merchants of Chester. 


5 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 

In reply to Mr. Hamilton’s ques- 
tion Tom said : came from New 

York. I represent one of the whole- 
sale houses in that city. I am here 
to show you some samples of our 
goods, and hope you will give me 
a good order.” 

Let business rest awhile. Come 
into the private ofiBce, and let us 
talk over college days,” replied Mr. 
Hamilton. 


C 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


''I wish I could, Ed,” answered 
Tom. “ But I must make two more 
calls this evening before 6 o’clock. 
That is the time my train is to 
start.” 

In reply to this remark Mr. Ham- 
ilton said : Now look here, Tom, 
is that just your own arrangement, 
or must you go at that time to 
keep your word with some person 
or firm? Answer me that que^- 


7 


Tom Huston^s Transformatiom 


tion before we proceed any 
further.” 

'' Well, you are a regular business 
fellow,” replied Tom. '' After 6 
o’clock this evening my time is my 
own for two weeks. I am going to 
the seashore to spend a lot of my 
hard-earned money on the giddy 
girls who collect there every sum- 
mer,” responded Tom. 

Mr. Hamilton, in answer to this 


8 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 


last remark, said : '' Tom, be care- 
ful what you say about girls and 
women. I am a married man, and 
my wife is the grandest woman on 
earth. For her sake I have a pro- 
found respect for womankind, and 
never allow any one to speak dis- 
respectfully of the sex in my pres- 
ence.” 

'' I tell you, Ed,” replied Tom, 
'' you need not say anything to me 


Tom Huston^s Transformatioiu 


about women. They are a heart- 
less set, and all they care for is 
money. If a man does not have 
hundreds of dollars to spend on 
them, he does not have any show- 
ing. And when his money is gone 
they are gone, too. If it had not 
been for a woman, I might have 
been a leading lawyer to-day. As 
it is I am a wanderer and nothing 
but a drummer. But let us get to 


10 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 


business, Ed. This is a subject I 
do not enjoy discussing It brings 
up the past. And that is too sad 
for me to recall even for one mo- 
ment.’' 

To this Mr. Hamilton replied : 

Tom, I am not going to discuss 
business with you this afternoon 
Let us go and make those other 
calls you had planned. Then you 
are going out with me to spend the 


11 


Tom Huston^s Transformatioiu 

night. I want you to meet my 
wife and visit in my home. You 
promised me when we parted at 
college that you would come and 
visit me when I got into my own 
home. You have never had the 
opportunity of keeping that prom- 
ise until to-day. Now I am going 
to hold you to your word.” 

Tom looked at Ed for an instant 
to see if his old friend was in 


12 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 

earnest, then said : Well, Ed. I 
always had to mind you in college. 
I often think it would have been 
better for me if I had remembered 
some of your advice. I do have a 
consuming curiosity to see a per- 
fect woman, and to visit in your 
home. Put on your hat and come 
with me.” 

Mr. Hamilton got his hat and 
in company with his old college 


13 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 


friend walked out of the store and 
boarded a car. When they returned 
a handsome two-seated carriage 
was standing in front of the build- 
ing. Mr. Hamilton said to the 
driver: ''Well, you are on time, 
Jim.” Turning to Mr. Huston he 
said, " At which hotel did you 
stop ?” 

Tom gave the name of his hotel. 
Mr. Hamilton then turned to the 


14 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


driver and gave some directions. 
After giving Jim the necessary 
orders, Mr. Hamilton said: ‘‘Tom, 
get into the carriage and Jim will 
be at your service as long as you 
need him.” 

In about half an hour they re- 
turned to the store. Mr. Hamilton 
came out of the building and got 
into the seat beside Tom. 

As the merchant settled himself 


15 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

among the comfortable cushions of 
the carriage he reached out his 
hand and placing it upon the knee 
of his companion said: ''Welh 
Tom, it does seem like a dream to 
have you here. Often as I have 
driven home I have thought of you 
and wondered where you were.” 

In a very little while the driver 
stopped his team in front of a neat 
cottage, placed somewhat back 


16 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


from the street, surrounded by a 
carpet of green grass and shaded 
by handsome maple trees. 

By this time all the business ex- 
pression had faded from Mr. Ham- 
ilton’s face, and his whole counte- 
nance glowed as he said : Now, 
Tom, this is my little home.” 
Springing out of the carriage, he 
led the way into the house. 

As the two men came up on the 


17 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

veranda, a bright, happy little 
woman made her appearance in the 
hall. Ed stepped inside the door, 
threw one arm around her, and 
kissed the sweet lips. Then with 
his arm still encircling her waist, 
said : '' Kitty, you have often heard 
me speak of Tom Huston. This is 
he.” 

The little woman with love and 
happiness beaming from her eyes, 


18 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


looked up at the tall, manly form 
of her husband’s friend, and extend- 
ing her hand said : “ Mr. Huston, I 
am so glad to see you and welcome 
you to our home.” 

The hats and baggage were left 
on the rack in the hall, and Mrs. 
Hamilton and both men stepped 
into the parlor. Something about 
this cozy room impressed Tom. 
He did not know what it was. A 


19 


Tom Hwston^s Transformation* 

sweet air of welcome seemed to 
pervade the whole apartment. 
There was not an expensive article 
among the furnishings. But Tom 
had a different feeling and a sense 
of real restfulness which he never 
had experienced in any other 
parlor. 

In a few moments after they 
were seated the voices of children 
were heard in the other part of the 


20 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


house. Mrs. Hamilton arose, say- 
ing : “I must go and see the chil- 
dren before they come into the 
parlor. They have been out play- 
ing.’' 

“ No, mamma,” said Mr. Hamil- 
ton, let them come in as we do 
other evenings. We are not going 
to make company of Tom.” 

Just then two merry boys ap- 
peared at the door. They never 


21 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

saw Tom, but both in one voice 
called out “ Oh, papa,” and with a 
bound made for his chair. A little 
golden-haired tot of a girl about 
three years old came in after the 
boys, but claimed a place on papa’s 
knee. 

All three talked at once and 
kissed papa a number of times. 
At length Mr. Hamilton said : 
‘'Children, stop one moment, 


22 


Tom Huston's Transformation. 


please. Did you know a very dear 
friend was in the room ? Well, 
there is, and we are making a won- 
derful noise. Let us stop and see 
him."’ 

In an instant there was perfect 
silence. 

Mr. Hamilton then arose and 
introduced each child. There was 
not one moment of hesitation, or 
holding back. Each shook hands 


23 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

with Mr. Huston and said, I am 
glad to meet you.” 

After all had chatted a few mo- 
ments, Mrs. Hamilton said : '' Ed, 
you had better take Mr. Huston up 
to the spare room and let him 
wash.” 

Both men started upstairs, while 
mamma and the children went out 
to the sitting room. In a short 
time the silvery tones of a little 

PA 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


bell sounded through the house. 
In obedience to its call the gentle- 
men descended the stairs, and Mr. 
Hamilton led the way to the din- 
ing room door. 

The same air of welcome was 
felt in this apartment as in all the 
others in this home. 

The table was tastefully arranged. 
A snow-white tablecloth, china and 
silver made a very attractive ap- 


25 


Tom Htiston^s Transformation. 

pearance. Tom had seen tables 
with all this on them, yet there was 
a difference some place. What 
was it ? 

Each child was standing quietly 
at his own chair, hands and face 
faultless, and every hair was in 
order. Mrs. Hamilton stood near 
her own chair. As her husband 
and his guest entered the room she 
turned, and with such a sweet tone 


26 


Tom Huston^s Transfonnatiom 


of welcome in her voice and man- 
ner, said : '' Mr. Huston, take this 
place,” At the same time laying 
her hand on the back of a vacant 
chair. Mr. Hamilton stepped to 
the other side of the table and 
lifted little Rena into her place. 
Then all sat down. 

While they were being served 
the older people did the talking and 
the little folks quietly listened, each 


27 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


face beaming because he knew it 
would soon come his turn to relate 
some news to papa. 

Presently Mr. Hamilton said to 
the oldest child : ‘'Well, Henry, 
how did you spend the day ? Have 
you been happy ?” 

" Indeed we had a good time, 
papa,” replied the boy. " But we 
had the most fun this afternoon. 
Milton Hendricks came for mamma 


28 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


just after lunch. She was not 
quite ready, and he asked her to 
let us children take a ride with him 
in his new buggy. Mamma let us 
all go. Milton drove away out on 
the avenue along the river, then 
round by the college, and down 
home.’' 

While Henry was talking little 
Rena anxiously waited to tell some- 
thing to papa. But she only gently 


29 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 

patted his coat sleeve, smiled her 
wish, and looked it from her large 
blue eyes. As soon as Henry had 
finished his story Mr. Hamilton 
turned to the child and said : 

What has Rena to tell papa ?” 

In her own artless way she ex- 
plained how Milton had let her do 
the driving, concluding her little 
speech with this remark : 

“ He held the lines in his own 


30 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


hands, but mine were nearest the 
horse.’' 

After Rena’s little story was 
ended Mr. Hamilton said to his 
second boy, “And what did you 
have to do, Bayard ?” 

“ I just enjoyed it all, papa,” an- 
swered the child. “ I was so happy 
to think dear mamma was going to 
have such a nice ride. When Mil- 
ton brought us home she was 


31 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

standing at the front gate. She 
had on her new — what kind of a 
dress, mamma ?” 

“ Dimity, dear,” replied mamma. 

“Yes, her new dimity dress, and 
her light hat. She did look so 
nice. When she and Milton drove 
away, we children cheered mamma^ 
she looked so sweet.” 

With a merry twinkle in his eyes 
as he glanced across the table at 


32 


Tom Huston's Transformation. 


his blushing' wife, Mr. Hamilton 
said : “ Milton is a fine fellow to 
be so good to mamma and you 
children when papa has to spend 
all day at the store. I think you 
will have to give Milton a kiss the 
first time you have the opportunity.” 

''By the way, Tom,” said Mr. 
Hamilton, " that is the greatest 
honor Bayard can confer on any of 
his friends.” 


33 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

During all this conversation Tom 
seemed like one in a dream. He 
would look at Mr. Hamilton and 
then at Mrs. Hamilton. Evidently 
he did not understand them at all. 

Mr. Hamilton helped the little 
folks to a dish they all liked, then 
said to Mrs. Hamilton : Well, my 
dear, how did you get along with 
the work at the church ?” 

‘Hust lovely,” replied his wife. 


34 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 


I tell you there is fine material in 
our classes. We had most of the 
decorating done when the older 
ones came. Milton and I were at 
the greenhouse twice. Mr. Mar- 
shall gave us a number of plants 
and had them sent to the church. 
The platform looks handsome. 
And the performers all do so well. 
1 heard them rehearse this after- 
noon. You know Amelia cannot 


35 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


be away from the college in day- 
time. My, but she is a grand drill- 
master. 

'' By the way, I had another ride. 
Milton and I just flew around over 
the city. Amelia sent me word 
that Mrs. Heltman would let us 
have her great-grandmother’s dress, 
which was once worn at some 
grand reception given to the queen. 
Amelia wanted this for one of the 


36 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 


characters in the tableau. Amelia 
asked me to go and get the dress. 
Milton and I drove up to the grand 
house. Mrs. Heltman did not 
know me, but I gave her Amelia’s 
note, and the old lady got her fine 
robe and gave it into my care. 
From the way in which she treated 
me I feel sure she thought I was 
some sweet sixteen Amelia had 
sent for the dress.” 


37 


Tom Hoston^s Transformation* 

Mr. Hamilton laughingly replied: 
“You are better than any sweet 
sixteen in the city, Kitty. I 
am so glad everything went off 
nicely. I feared you would have 
to work so hard. But you are the 
best woman to find pleasure in 
everything.” 

“Tom,” he said, addressing his 
guest, “ you are here just in time to 
see some of the best people in the 


38 


Tom Hwston^s Tfansformation* 


world. We have an entertainment 
and social in our church to-night. 
I am glad you will see so many of 
our friends while you do stay with 
us.” 

“ I fear you will find me a very 
dull companion at a church social,” 
replied Tom. “I have not been at 
such a place for years.” 

As Tom said this the sad, pained 
expression which Ed had seen in 


39 


Tom Hoston^s Transformation, 


his face at the store when he spoke 
of the past returned, and seemed 
to hurt him. 

Here Mr. Hamilton immediately 
changed the subject of conversa- 
tion, and nothing more was said 
about the social. Soon after dinner 
was over a number called to con- 
sult Mrs. Hamilton about various 
matters in connection with the 
entertainment. 


40 


Tom Hwston^s Transformatioric 


So heartily did these good people 
enter into the preparations for the 
exercises at the church that Tom 
soon found he was really interested 
and wishing for the time to come 
when he could enjoy them. 

As Mrs. Hamilton was chairman 
of a very important committee, she 
left home early in the evening in 
order to see if everything was in 
good shape. At a later hour Mr. 


41 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


Hamilton and Tom started for the 
church. 

The little folks had their usual 
evening romp with papa after din- 
ner. Then they were left in the 
care of a dear old lady who lived 
in the next house to Mr. Hamil- 
ton’s. She came over and stayed 
with the children until the parents 
would return. 

The entertainment was a success 


42 


Tom Hoston^s Transformation* 


in every respect. After this came 
the social and the supper. 

Soon after the close of the lit- 
erary programme Mr. Hamilton 
was surrounded by a bevy of girls 
aged from twelve to fourteen. He 
introduced each one to Mr. Huston. 
They all opened their hearts at 
once and made Tom one of their 
number, and in a few moments 
both men were having a merry 


43 


Tom Hwston^s Transformation* 


time with the girls, and were being 
shown around in the best of style. 

After spending awhile with these 
sweet, innocent girls, Mr. Hamilton 
called the whole company around 
him and said : Girls, it is very de- 
lightful to be with you, but I want 
to introduce my friend to others 
who are here to-night, T see many 
people in the church who are 
lonely. You can make them feel 


44 


Tom Huston^s Transformatiom 


very happy. So I am going to send 
you all out on this mission.” 

In a few moments the girls were 
scattered in groups of two or three, 
talking pleasantly to the older peo- 
ple, or showing a timid child how 
to play some merry game. 

As soon as the men were alone, 
Mr. Hamilton said : Let us go to 
the supper room and see if we are 
needed there.” 


45 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

Mrs. Hamilton was standing near 
the door and saw the two men as 
they entered the room. She came 
toward them with such a sweet 
smile on her lips, Mr. Hamilton 
asked : “ How are things getting 
along ?” 

'' Beautifully,” replied his wife. 

Every committee is on duty 
and the work is progressing so 
well.” 


46 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


Turning to Tom, she said : 

'‘Mr. Huston, there area number 
of very dear friends of ours in 
these rooms. I fear if you do not 
see these people while at work you 
will not have another opportunity. 
Come with me. I know where 
each one is stationed.” 

Both men gladly followed the 
happy-faced little woman. Every 
now and then a halt was made*. 


47 


Tom Hoston^s Transformatioiu 

Some one was called from the post 
of duty. A warm hand-grasp, a 
hearty “ Glad to meet you.” '' Any 
friend of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton is 
our friend also,” and various ex- 
pressions of welcome made Tom 
feel as though he was among old 
friends. 

As the three stood for a moment 
viewing the busy scene, Mr. Ham- 
ilton said : What work did you 


48 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


give Amelia ? I hope she does not 
have to stand all evening.” 

'' No, indeed, my dear, I planned 
that. She is sitting out in the ante, 
room, and sells tickets. Let us go 
and see her. She may be lonely.” 

Saying this Mrs. Hamilton led 
the way to the room through which 
those must pass who wished supper. 
Just inside the door a woman was 
sitting behind a table. She im- 


49 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 

pressed one as a person of strongs 
character. There was such a noble, 
true expression in her face, and an 
air of business pervaded her whole 
being. 

As soon as Mrs. Hamilton and 
her companions appeared, a joyful 
smile lighted up the woman’s face. 

As Mrs. Hamilton walked up to 
the table behind which her friend 
was sitting, she said : '' Are you 


50 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


kept very busy, or are you lonely ? 
I hope you can give us a few mo- 
ments, as we want you to meet a 
dear friend of ours.” She then in 
a very cordial manner introduced 
Tom, and all entered into a free, 
merry conversation, showing that 
this woman was on very intimate 
terms with Ed and his wife. For 
a few moments the conversation 
was general. 


51 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 

During a lull in the merriment 
Mrs. Hamilton said : “ I must go. I 
know I am needed in the dining 
room. Amelia, this affair has cheat- 
ed you out of your Friday even- 
ing rest. But you must make it 
up to-morrow. Remember we shall 
expect the pleasure of Miss Adams’ 
company home with us this even- 
ing.” 

Amelia objected to this arrange- 


52 


Tom Huston^s Transformation, 


ment, but Mrs. Flamilton said she 
could not hear that kind of talk, 
and replied, “ It is all settled.” And 
with a merry laugh and a shake of 
her forefinger at Amelia she left 
the room. 

A number came in just then to 
buy tickets. Mr. Hamilton and 
Tom stepped out into the large 
audience room in which the people 
were having a merry time talking 


53 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

and amusing themselves in various 
ways. 

For a moment both men stood 
and viewed the scene. 

“ Notwithstanding all the merri- 
ment, I see a number of lonely 
ones in the audience,” remarked 
Mr. Hamilton. 

“Yes,” Tom replied. “How 
many lonely ones there are in the 
world. I am one of the lonely 


54 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 


ones, Ed. Let us take a short 
walk. I want to have a talk with 
you alone. I feel some way that 
you can help me.” 

"‘Very well, Tom,” replied Mr. 
Hamilton agreeably. 'H shall get 
our hats.” 

In a moment he returned, and 
the two men passed out at a side 
door and strolled off down the 
street. 


55 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

Tom opened the conversation by- 
saying : 

'' Ed, you and your wife are per- 
fect conundrums to me. I have 
been making a study of you ever 
since I came into your home, and 
you both become more of a mys- 
tery every moment. I wish you 
would explain yourself.” 

“ In what respect, Tom ?” asked 
Mr. Hamilton. '' Point out an ex- 


56 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


ample of our mysterious conduct, 
and I shall do my best to make 
you understand us.” 

“Now, for instance,” said Tom, 
“ how can you have that Mr. Hen- 
dricks escorting your wife around 
as he has done to-day ? It seems 
to me if I were in your place I 
would settle him once for all.” 

Mr. Hamilton replied, “ No, Tom; 
you would not settle that young 


57 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

man if you knew his history. He 
is one of the lonely ones. We have 
taken him under our care and for 
six years he has been like one of 
our own family. Mrs. Hamilton 
and myself were teachers for a 
number of years. We both know 
what it is to depend on the public 
for sympathy. Ever since we were 
married we have shared our home 
with some lonely one. Milton 


58 


Tom Htjston^s Ttansformation* 


Hendricks was the first who needed 
us. He will finish college this year. 
Then he will enter some profession. 
He is a grand, good fellow. We 
are very proud of our oldest boy, 
as we call him.” 

''My, but I do envy the boy,” 
replied Tom. " I never had a home. 
My mother died when I was two 
years old. Then I was put under 
the care of a maiden aunt who just 


59 


Tom Htiston^s Transformation* 

hated boys. My only idea of home 
is a place to eat and sleep, with a 
scolding every time I entered the 
house. It is so different in your 
home. You seem to have such a 
deep interest in each other. I wish 
I could enjoy a taste of home love 
just a few days. I know you love 
me, Ed. I wonder if Mrs. Hamil- 
ton has room enough in her heart 
for such a great big boy ?” 


60 


Tom Huston^s Tfansformation* 


“ Indeed she has,” answered Mr. 
Hamilton. Her heart is large 
enough to take in the whole world. 
Do stay, Tom. We shall be so 
glad to have you with us. By the 
way, that Miss Adams whom you 
met just as we left the church is 
one of our adopted children. She 
is a teacher at the college. She has 
no home. Mrs. Hamilton met her, 
and as both were old teachers, each 


61 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


had a great deal of sympathy for 
the other. We have her come down 
and spend Friday evening with us, 
and take a good rest Saturday 
morning. 

''She is a really grand good 
lady, and it is a real pleasure to 
have her in our home. But tell me 
about yourself, Tom. You seem to 
have had such a sad life since we 
parted. You spoke of a woman 


62 


Tom Hoston^s Transformation* 


ruining all your hopes for the 
future.” 

‘‘I do not like to go back over 
my history, but for your sake, Ed, 
I shall give you a short account of 
myself,” replied Tom. “ You know 
the last year we were in college I was 
waiting on Ella Rogers. I thought 
she was a true woman and loved 
her with all the ardor of a Scotch- 
man. She was to graduate the 


63 


Tom Haston^s Transformation* 

next year after we did. I was de- 
termined that she should have the 
finest graduating present that had 
ever been given on any commence- 
ment day. Through my father’s 
influence I obtained a good paying 
position. By hard work and rigid 
economy I saved enough to buy a 
diamond ring and handsome 

brooch. I went back to H , but 

did not arrive until the evening be- 


64 


Tom Hoston^s Transformation* 


fore commencement. All the year 
I had been corresponding with Ella 
and every letter was full of love 
and trust. She knew I was work- 
ing hard to purchase these things 
for her. They were to be called 
graduating presents. But the ring, 
between ourselves, was known to 
be the engagement ring. 

I went to her home as soon as I 
could after arriving in the town. 


65 


Tom Huston's Transfotmation* 

She met me at the door and gave 
me a very cordial welcome. I 
wanted her to accompany me to a 
concert that night. She excused 
herself on the plea of headache, 
and thought as the next day would 
be so trying she had better remain 
at home. I gave her the package 
containing my treasures and asked 
her to wear them the next day. I 
did not see Ella again until she was 


66 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


on the stage in the opera house. 
My ring sparkled on her finger and 
the brooch looked handsome as it 
nestled among the laces at her 
throat, I did not wait to speak to 
her at the close of the exercises. I 
expected to call and see her that 
afternoon. 

“When I went to my boarding 
place for dinner the lady of the 
house gave me a dainty note ad- 


67 


Tom Huston's Ttansformatiom 


dressed by Ella’s own hand. On 
opening the note I found it was an 
invitation to her wedding that even- 
ing at seven o’clock. 

''You can, perhaps, imagine my 
feelings, Ed. I went to my room 
and remained there until time to 
take the evening train. In a few 
days I received a paper giving a 
glowing description of the wedding 
and the fine diamonds which 


68 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


were worn by the bride. She mar- 
ried Sam Porter. You remember 
him. He had the name of being 
the richest man in all that section.” 

“ But,” replied Mr. Hamilton, 
*‘he had no character. She gave 
away an honest, true man for money. 
She has paid for all that deception 
ten times over since that night.” 

'' I was so bitterly disappointed,” 
continued Tom, “that I lost all 


69 


Tom Huston^s Transformation# 

faith in women. I had planned to 
enter a law school, but I felt there 
was no inspiration now. I just 
kept on working for the old firm, 
and I never had an aim in life. All 
these years I have just set myself 
against any kind impressions from 
a woman. But there is something 
so different about Mrs. Hamilton. 
Some way she makes you feel so at 
ease in her presence, and you are 


70 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


impressed with the true, pure no- 
bility of her soul. Now, Ed, in 
speaking so highly of Mrs. Hamil- 
ton, I do not mean to in any way 
disparage you. I always did love 
you, and felt sure you were a true 
friend. I have met a great many 
men like you. But to find the same 
traits of character in a woman is 
something new in my experience. 
The atmosphere of your home is 


71 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


different from any place I have 
ever been in. I am going to stay a 
few days and perhaps you and Mrs. 
Hamilton can drive away the lone- 
liness that has taken possession of 
my heart all these years.” 

Mr. Hamilton replied : I am 
glad you are so happy in our home, 
and that you like my wife so well. 
I told you she was the best woman 
in the world. We want to make our 


72 


Tom Huston's Transformation* 


little home a haven of rest to all our 
dear friends. We shall do our best 
to make you happy while you stay. 
But we must return to the church. 
We are to eat supper at half-past 
nine. It is almost that time now.” 

When the two men arrived at 
the dining room, both Mr. and 
Mrs. Hamilton’s classes, Miss Ad- 
ams, Milton Hendricks and a few 
old people had the room all to 


73 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 


themselves. And a jolly crowd 
they were. Mr. Hamilton had an 
opportunity to tell his wife Tom’s 
new plans. This was good news to 
the little woman. The sweet ex- 
pression which came into her face 
as she turned and said, “ Mr. Hus- 
ton, I am so glad you are going to 
stay with us,” made Tom feel 
happy. He helped to entertain the 
company by relating some of his 


74 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


own experience in such an amus- 
ing manner that he won all hearts. 

As this was the last table to be 
served, Amelia was free the remain- 
ing part of the evening, and Mrs. 
Hamilton had no more care in the 
dining room. After they were 
through with supper Mr. Hamilton 
took Amelia, and Tom acted as 
escort for Mrs. Hamilton. Some 
time was spent by the two couples 


75 


Tom Httston^s Transformation* 

talking and enjoying the company 
of other friends. 

The two weeks which Tom had 
promised to spend with Mr. and 
Mrs. Hamilton passed rapidly and 
pleasantly. It was with real regret 
that he took his departure from the 
happy home. As Tom bade Ed 
good-by at the station he said : If 
I can get off a few days at the 
holidays I am coming to have an- 


76 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


other sweet rest in your home.” 
This promise he was able to make 
good, and delighted Mr. and Mrs. 
Hamilton by coming into the city 
the evening before Christmas. But 
business would allow only three 
days of rest. 

One morning in the month of 
March Mr. Hamilton received a 
letter from Tom. This did not sur- 
prise him, for letters from Tom 


77 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

came very frequently since his two 
weeks’ visit the preceding summer. 
But this message made Mr. Hamil- 
ton look very happy as he read 
it. Tom wanted to become a part- 
ner in the store with him. He ex- 
pected to make his future home 
among the good people whom he 
had learned to love on his former 
visits. This was good news to Ed 
and his wife. By this arrangement 


78 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

they would not lose a dear lady 
friend. They had feared for some 
months that Tom would take her 
from them the coming summer. 

The new plans were soon ar- 
ranged. Various changes were 
made in the store, and the business 
was somewhat enlarged by the 
addition of new departments. 

The month of June came, bring- 
ing its usual crown of roses. On 


79 


Tom Hoston^s Transformation. 

commencement day at the college it 
was announced that Miss Adams 
would not hold her old position 
the coming year. This brought 
consternation to the hearts of some, 
as they felt so sure that Miss Ad- 
ams would teach in the college for 
many years to come. 

A few days after commencement 
almost the entire congregation of 
which Miss Adams was a member, 


80 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


and all the students who had not 
gone to their homes, and the pro- 
fessors of the college, assembled in 
the handsome yard at Mr. Hamil- 
ton’s home. Just as the clock struck 
two Tom Huston and Miss Adams 
came out of the parlor and stepped 
to the front of the veranda among 
a number of their most intimate 
friends who were standing there, 
and the pastor spoke the words 


81 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

which made Tom and Amelia hus- 
band and wife. 

When the express pulled into the 
station quite a crowd of people 
stood on the platform. The manly 
form of Tom seemed to assume a 
new dignity as he stood beside his 
wife and received the congratula- 
tions of their many friends. Mrs. 
Amelia Huston looked the very 
picture of happiness. She was 


82 


Tom Huston's Transformatiom 


dressed in a neat and becoming 
traveling suit of dark navy blue, 
and held in her hand a handsome 
bouquet, the gift of her husband. 

While this happy company waited 
on the platform a pair of eyes were 
watching through a broken place 
in the shutter which had been 
lowered to keep out the sun. The 
eyes were dimmed with tears. And 
no wonder. The manly form of 


83 


Tom Httston^s Transformation* 

the handsome bridegroom presented 
a painful contrast to the half- 
drunken husband who sat at her side 
and slept. No diamond ring now 
sparkled on the calloused hand 
which caressed the deformed little 
child which sat on her knee. Nor 
was the shabby dress fastened 
at the throat with a diamond 
brooch. No. The jewelry had all 
been sold to purchase food and 


84 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 


clothing for Ella Rogers Porter and 
her husband. She trembled lest 
the wedding party should pass 
through the coach which she and 
her husband occupied on their way 
to the parlor car. She remembered 
Tom always rode in the parlor car 
when he had taken her on various 
trips during his college days. She 
knew he would not make an excep- 
tion of this rule on his wedding 


85 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

tour. She breathed a sigh of relief 
when Mr. Hamilton came up to 
Tom and handed him the tickets 
and checks, saying as he did so, 
“Your car is the third from this 
one. You have only five minutes 
in which to make it.” Hearing this 
news the company moved toward 
the car. Tom and Amelia were 
comfortably seated when the con- 
ductor called out All aboard.” 


86 


Tom Huston^s Transformation. 


Tom did not know that Ella was 
on the same train. But it would 
not have worried him. He had 
forgiven the girl who had so deeply 
wronged him. He had learned 
through the pure, true life of another 
woman to love all others. 

Poor Ella had given up a true, 
pure, noble man for money, and 
she thus wrecked her own happi- 
ness for life, and for years had 


87 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

made Tom Huston a miserable 
wanderer. But now he is a wan- 
derer no longer. A happy, useful 
life is opening up before him. Ella 
will go through life carrying a 
heavy burden. 

Amelia Adams married Tom for 
his true, manly character, and be- 
cause she loved him. Together 
they could work and plan. In a 

few years they had the money also- 

LofC. 


88 


Tom Huston's Transformation. 


In the early part of September 
Mr. and Mrs. Huston returned to 
Chester. They purchased a neat 
little house near that of Mr. and 
Mrs. Hamilton. 

Tom said: ‘'You people must 
teach us how to have a home just 
like yours. There I became a new 
man. I want to help others to find 
this happiness.” 

How well he and his wife were 


89 


Tom Huston^s Transformation* 

able to carry out this desire can be 
attested by the many lonely travel- 
ing men and other lonely ones who 
always found a sweet retreat from 
work and care in this happy home. 

Tom always spoke of the time 
he first entered the home of Mr. 
Hamilton as his birthday. This 
anniversary was celebrated by both 
families eating dinner at Mr. Ham- 
ilton's. 


90 


Tom Hoston^s Transfof matron. 


Mrs. Hamilton always re ceived 
a handsome present from Tom 
on that evening. He called it his 
tribute to womankind. 

He said : 

“A woman once took away all 
my aim in this life. But a woman 
gave it back to me. Through you, 
Mrs. Hamilton, I learned to love 
your sex. By this love taking pos- 
session of my being I was drawn 


91 


Tom Huston's Transformation. 


toward my precious wife, whose 
true, pure life is now my constant 
inspiration.'* 


THE END. 


n 


THE 


Hbbcy press 

tl4 

FIFTH AVENUE 
NEW YORK 


ANNOUNCEMENTS 


May be ordered tbrougli 
any bookseller or will be 
mailed free for the pub- 
lished price 


AUTHORS AND ARTISTS 




Collins, Wilkie. 
Cruikshank, George, Jr. 

De M'ezailles, Jean. 
Dickens, Charles. 
Drummond, Menry. 
Flattery, M. Douglas. 
Gardner, W. H. 

Graham, Marie. 

Hamilton, Sam A. 

Hamm, Margherita Arlina. 
Hartt, Irene Widdemer. 
Howard, Lady Constance. 
Jennings, Fdwin B. 
Johnson, Stanley Edwards. 
Jokai, Maurns. 

Kaven, E. Thomas. 
Kearney, Belle. 


Kent, Charles. 
Mankowski, Mary D. 
Martyn, Carlos. 

Miller, Andrew J. 

Munn, Charles Clark. 
Napoliello, B. B. 

Palier, Emile A. 

Parkes, Harry. 

Pash, Florence. 

Bideal, Charles F. 
Bunyan, N. P. 

Scribner, Kimball. 
Stevenson, Bohert liOais* 
Tabor, Edward A. 
Tolstoy, Count. 

Walker, Jessie A. 
Winter, C. Gordon. 




ADVERTISING AGENTS’ DIRECTORY, THE. 

Arranged alphabetically and in States, including 
Great Britain and Canada. Nothing of this 
kind has ever before appeared. All who for 
any reason wish to know who the advertising 
agents are and how they may be reached, will 
’ find the desired infoimation here. The Directory 
is brought down strictly to date. Cloth. One 
Dollar. 

AMERICAN ELOQUENCE. 

Characteristic Types from Colonial Times to the 
Present Day. A Text Book of Oratory. By 
Carlos Martyn. 

AMERICAN MEN OF THE TIME. 

Being a Dictionary of Biographical Records of 
Eminent Men of the Day. Revised to date and 
edited by Charles F. Rideal, Fellow of the Royal 
Society of Literature. 

AMERICAN WOMEN OF THE TIME. 

Being a Dictionary of Biographical Records of 
Eminent Living Women. Revised to date and 
edited by Charles F. Rideal, Fellow of the Royal 
Society of Literature. It is the first time a book 
of reference of this kind has been compiled in the 
interests of any women in any country. The ef- 
forts of the publishers will be directed towards 
the end of securing a standard work, founded on 
reliable data, and which will be a suitable addi- 
tion to any bookshelf. 

CHARLES DICKENS’ HEROINES AND WOMEN 
FOLK. 

Some Thoughts Concerning Them. A Revised 
Lecture. By Charles F. Rideal, with drawings 
of “Dot” and “Edith Dombey,” by Florence* 
Pash. Third Edition. Cloth. Twenty-five Cents. 

“A delightful little book.” — Institute. 

3 


(jllARLES DICKENS READER AND RECITER, 
THE. 

For the Home, School and Platform. Compiled 
with an introduction by Charles F. Rideal, Fel- 
low of the Royal Society of Literature. For- 
merly member of the Council of the Lecturers’ 
Institute of Great Britain. Author of “ Weller- 
isms,” “Charles Dickens’ Heroines and Women 
Folk,” etc. 


CHURCH WORKER’S BOOK. 

One Thousand Plans. By as Many Successful 
Clergymen and Other Christian Workers. By 
Carlos Martyn. 


CONTINENTAL CAVALIER, A. 

By Kimball Scribner. Author of “The Honor 
of a Princess,” (twenty-third thousand), “The 
Love of the Princess Alice,” (fifteenth thousand), 
and “In the Land of the Loon.” The author 
writes here in his well-known popular style and 
contributes one more (and not the least) to the 
eagerly awaited historic novels of Revolutionary 
times. His characters are resurrections and in 
them the past lives again. Mr. Kimball Scribner 
is rapidly becoming one of the most popular of 
the younger writers of to-day. With four illus- 
trations on copper. Cloth, 12mo. One Dollar. 

CURIOUS CASE OF GENERAL DELANEY SMYTHE, 
THE. 

By W. H. Gardner, Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. A. 
(retired) . Not in many years has a more interest- 
ing or mysterious story appeared than this. Those 
who follow the fortunes of General Delaney 
Smythe will certainly corroborate this statement. 
The book will have a wide and permanent sale. 
With four illustrations by Miss Lowenstein. 
Cloth. One Dollar. 


4 





Jan - 17 1901 






DEC 24 





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